In Memoriam

We were sad to learn of the recent death of Dale Ratliff, a veteran of the 483rd Field Maintenance Squadron at Ashiya Air Base, Japan. Dale was one of the most enthusiastic attendees at Homecoming 2005. He passed away on Sunday, March 5 of complications from heart and kidney problems.

We were again saddened to learn of the April 26 passing of Dan Reider, a loadmaster who served with the 2nd, 5th and 14th Aerial Port Squadrons and the 815th Troop Carrier Squadron. Dan learned early this year that he had lung cancer, and it had moved into his brain. He will be greatly missed.

Once again we're saddened by the loss of another member of our group. Archie Graham passed away in Farmer, Louisiana on May 6. Archie was a loadmaster and served with the 41st and 817th at Naha and the 346th at CCK. Archie had been diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago and wasn't expected to live. Fortunately, he had some extra time. He will be sorely missed!

Attendees at the 2006 reunion and TCTAA members were saddened to learn of the passing of Frank Little, a veteran C-130 flight engineer who passed away in the summer of 2007. Frank flew C-130s at Sewart, Clark, Pope and Little Rock, including the "Black Birds" special operations airplanes. Frank rode his motorcycle to Galveston even though he suffered from emphesema.